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Contact: NCR Communications
250 Years of America, 250 Trees for its Capital
WASHINGTON — The National Park Service is partnering with Casey Trees to launch a community-driven campaign to plant 250 native and historic trees across historic federal parkland in the nation’s capital to celebrate the 250th anniversary of the United States in 2026.
The effort, called “250 Years of America, 250 Trees for its Capital,” aims to raise $125,000 to fund planting and long-term care. The campaign has already raised more than $54,000 through early community outreach.
In partnership with National Capital Parks - East, which manages National Park Service sites across parts of Washington and nearby Maryland suburbs, the campaign will begin with plantings in spring 2026 at Lincoln, Stanton, Marion and Folger parks on Capitol Hill, with additional plantings continuing throughout 2026.
“We're thrilled to partner with Casey Trees on this meaningful project,” said Serena Bellew, Superintendent of the National Capital Parks - East. “These plantings will enhance the historic parklands that millions of visitors and DC residents enjoy each year, connecting our natural and cultural heritage in lasting ways.”
“As we approach America's 250th anniversary, there's no better way to celebrate than by investing in the future of our capital's urban forest,” said Andrew Schichtel, Executive Director of Casey Trees. “These trees will provide shade, clean air, and beauty in the parks and green spaces that make DC special. This is about neighbors coming together to steward the spaces we all share.”
Trees will include native and historic species guided by historical planting maps, supporting both healthier canopy cover and the historic character of these public landscapes. Each tree will be professionally planted and maintained on protected federal land, and sponsors will be recognized on a dedicated interactive map so supporters can visit and watch their impact grow over time.
Local partners are helping power the campaign, organizing outreach and sharing the opportunity with neighbors around the first planting sites.
“Lincoln Park is such an iconic part of our neighborhood's history, and I see how much it means to people every single day—families with their kids, neighbors walking their dogs, runners on the trails,” said Jeni Schoemaker, a member of Friends of Lincoln Park. “These newly planted trees will be here long after we're gone, providing shade and beauty for future generations.”
Monica Plisch, a member of Revive Stanton Park, echoed that sentiment. She and her spouse had their wedding pictures taken in Stanton Park, and their niece and nephews spend countless hours on that playground. “It's where we run into friends and neighbors; it's truly the heart of our community,” she said. “Adding native trees as part of this campaign isn't just about beautifying the park; it's about investing in a space that brings us all together and makes our neighborhood feel like home.”
Planting will occur in two phases: 80 trees will be planted in Capitol Hill parks in spring 2026, with the remaining trees planted over the course of the year. All trees will be native or historic species selected to thrive in the District’s climate while respecting historic plantings in each park, such as willow oak, red maple, Jefferson elm and black gum, among others.
People may choose to support the campaign by sponsoring a tree, donating, or sharing news of the effort with their neighbors.
About National Capital Parks - East
National Capital Parks - East manages National Park Service sites spanning more than 8,000 acres, including park sites, natural areas, recreation areas, cultural landscapes, parkways, farms, archeological sites, historic forts and statuary from Capitol Hill to nearby Maryland suburbs.
About Casey Trees
Casey Trees is a nonprofit organization dedicated to restoring, enhancing, and protecting the tree canopy of the nation’s capital. Through tree planting and care, community engagement, education, and land conservation, Casey Trees works to ensure that all residents can experience the benefits of a healthy urban forest.
Last updated: January 12, 2026